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The Intrepid Beauty of Africa & the Indian Ocean

T2330

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Africa and Indian Ocean

19 Nov 2023

Southampton

93 nights

Bolette

The cruise at a glance

The Olsen Way Highlights

On this outstanding Africa and Indian Ocean cruise, you'll have the chance to see remarkable wildlife and learn of tribal cultures in Madagascar; and seek out the Big Five on a safari journey into the African Savannahs. You can get up close to Tutankhamun’s burial ground at the Valley of the Kings, from Safaga; and world famous pyramids from Port Said; while the Indian leg of your journey brings opportunities to visit tea plantations and assist a ‘Dabbawala’ in Mumbai with their deliveries. With four days in Cape Town there will be ample time to discover a melting pot of different cultures. Walvis Bay is your gateway to the colossal dunes of the Namib, the world’s oldest desert, whereas Réunion Island boasts sweeping volcanic landscapes, dense forests and cascading waterfalls. We will head off the tourist trail to explore the less-visited gems of São Tomé and Zanzibar.

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Highlights

 

Michaela Strachan

One of TV’s best-loved presenters, Michaela Strachan, will be sharing her expertise with guests onboard this cruise to Africa and the Indian Ocean. From spectacles to predation, rarities to nesting, seasonal highlights to humour; Michaela will talk about British wildlife, wildlife programme making and what makes British wildlife programmes so popular. 

From penguin poo to cormorant beaks! Michaela talks about her experiences with SANCCOB, the sea bird rescue centre based in Cape Town. She will talk about saving the highly-endangered African Penguin and her experience of hand-rearing these adorable birds, as well as the 2020 Cape Cormorant crisis when thousands of chicks needed rescuing from nearby Robben Island.

Michaela will also join guests on a selection of tours in Cape Town.

African Wildlife

This once-in-a-lifetime cruise will offer guests the opportunity to go in search of the Big Five on a selection of safaris in Kenya, South Africa and Mozambique. Having the chance to see lions, leopards, black rhinos, African elephants and buffalo in their natural habitats is an experience not to be missed. In Madagascar, you'll see endangered lemurs in the wild, distinguished by their large eyes and playful nature.

Cultural History

An array of cultural history can be experienced on this cruise, including visits to the Pyramids from Port Said; or in Alexandria, visit the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. From Safaga, follow in the footsteps of English archaeologist Howard Carter and trace the cryptic hieroglyphics that tell the journey into the afterlife. When in Mumbai, you'll see the striking Gateway of India monument - said to have been built to symbolise the wealth and power of the British Empire, but now serves as a reminder of India's independence.

Lesser-known and wild landscapes

Visit a myriad of destinations that take you off the beaten track, such as the Namib Desert – the oldest desert in the world; African Savannahs on safari in Kenya and South Africa; and the ever-changing landscape of Reunion Island, overlooked by the still active volcano Piton de la Fournaise, which is said to erupt every nine months!

T2330 overland tours

Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences

Together with our trusted partners, we have planned some incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences, you will have the opportunity to really immerse yourself in the destination or area that you are visiting, such as seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise, or searching for the Big Five in South Africa. You will stay off the ship and all of your travel arrangements, accommodation and meals will be organised for you to ensure that your journey is seamless.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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Life On Board

Introducing Bolette

With just 690 cabins Bolette fits perfectly in our fleet of smaller ships. With her warm, welcoming atmosphere, timeless style, and classic open deck spaces providing a place to fully immerse yourself in the magic of ocean cruising.

Bolette in Olden, Norway
Bolette

Bolette

Bolette is one of the largest ships, by overall size, in our fleet. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and timeless style, and classic open deck spaces providing a place to fully immerse yourself in the magic of ocean cruising, Bolette is very much in keeping with what our guests have come to expect from a Fred. Olsen ship.

690 cabins
1,338 guests
657 crew
62,735 GT
24.5kts max speed
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Our Signature Experiences

To make your experience even more special, our Journey Planners have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.

Itinerary Insights

We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting

Scenic Discoveries

Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships

The Ship and the Sea

Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years

The Sky at Sea

There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea

Treats of the Region

We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 23:00 28/09/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

* Prices correct as of 23:00 28/09/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Bolette's Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area.

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Saver Fare From £20,499 pp
Freedom Fare From £20,999 pp
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Suite

Balcony Junior Suite Wheelchair Adapted (BJD)

Bolette's Balcony Junior Adapted Suites have a balcony and sitting/bedroom area.

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Saver Fare From £20,499 pp
Freedom Fare From £20,999 pp
Book Online
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Suite

Balcony Suite (BS)

Located on deck 6, Bolette's Balcony Suites have a private balcony

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Saver Fare From £20,899 pp
Freedom Fare From £21,399 pp
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Suite

Olsen Suite (OW)

The Olsen Suite is the largest suite on Bolette, with a private balcony and sitting area.

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Saver Fare From £33,299 pp
Freedom Fare From £33,799 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Bolette’s Premier Suites are located on Deck 7, and have a private balcony.

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Saver Fare From £26,999 pp
Freedom Fare From £27,499 pp
Book Online
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Suite

Premier Suite Wheelchair Adapted (PSD)

Bolette's Premier Adapted Suites are spacious and stylish, and located on deck 7.

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Saver Fare From £26,999 pp
Freedom Fare From £27,499 pp
Book Online
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Cruise Offers

Solo traveller offer available   Saver Fare
Freedom Fare

FREE On board Spend up to £500pp   Freedom Fare

What's Included

SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED

As well as our Signature Experiences, there is a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.

Treats & Pastimes

In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.

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Enhance your cruise

Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.

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